The X Factor

Premise: ``The X Factor UK'' returns for a 13th season with seasoned judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger on the panel. Also back to host the competition is Dermot O'Leary. The hopefuls must make it through two sets of auditions, including closed-room auditions with the judges, before advancing to later rounds of the competition, which include boot camps and live performances in front of packed arenas. After the finale, one singer or group is named ``The X Factor'' winner, earning a recording contract with Cowell's Syco Music label. Contestants who don't win can also benefit from appearing on the show; One Direction and Ella Henderson are prime examples of such performers.